St. Mary's Star newpaper, 1918 -Pottawatomie County, KS USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb Archivist with proof of this consent. Submitted by Georgianna Gray wgray@usmo.com >From the St. Mary's Star St. Mary's, Pottawatomie County, KS Cited for Bravery Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for Extraordinary Heroism In Action Near Soissons, France July 18-21, 1918 The following letter was received last week by Miss Elizabeth Hoy relating the heroic deeds of her brother, Joseph Hoy, and of his sacrifice of life in action July 21, 1918 War Department The Adjutant General's Office Washington December 11, 1918 Miss Elizabeth Hoy St. Mary's, Kansas Dear Madam: This office has been advised by cablegram by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, that he has awarded a Distinguished Service Cross posthumously to your brother, Private Joseph E. Hoy, for "extraordinary heroism in actions near Soissons, France July 18- 21, 1918. After his platoon Commander had been wounded, he took command of his platoon and displayed exceptional initiative, good judgment, and devotion to duty. He alone captured a machine gun which was holding up the advance and continued to lead his men forward until reaching their final objective, he himself was killed." Under War Department Orders, the Distinguished Service Cross in this case will be furnished to the nearest relative of this soldier, and it becomes necessary for this office to determine the name and address of the nearest relative. Will you kindly use the enclosed penalty envelope which requires no postage and inform this office whether Private Hoy was married and if so the name and address of his widow if she is living; or if he left no widow, the name and address of his parents, and if they be dead, the names, ages, and addresses of his brothers and sisters. Very Respectfully, Ralph Harrison, Adjutant General